PHOENIX – Dodgers fans who didn’t make it down for the team’s Cactus League stint could get their first chance to see Clayton Kershaw pitch Sunday at Dodger Stadium against Boston.

But if they miss it, they might not have to wait more than a few weeks for their second chance.

Kershaw, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect, pitched three shutout innings in Tuesday’s game 3-3 tie against Milwaukee at Maryvale Baseball Park.

Kershaw, who relieved Brad Penny to begin the fourth inning, allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out six. Afterward, Kershaw showered, waited for the game to end and boarded a bus for Los Angeles, looking every bit the part of a major-league pitcher.

So, it must be asked, why isn’t he one yet?

“Making adjustments a little more quickly is probably the most important thing,” Kershaw said. “I walked (Corey) Hart and left my fastball up three or four pitches in a row. In the big leagues, you usually make adjustments a little faster than that. I just need to figure out what I’m doing wrong sooner.”

This spring, Kershaw has pitched 10 innings over five appearances, striking out 13 and posting a 0.90 ERA. But he also is entering just his third professional season, which he likely will begin at Double-A Jacksonville. The Dodgers have a rotation of veterans, which is the main reason Kershaw won’t start the season in the majors.

“We brought him along this week because we want to expose him to hopefully what he will see moving forward,” Dodgers manager Joe Torre said. “I’m not sure what he still needs other than the experience of going out there and pitching.”

SAITO ON MEND

Dodgers closer Takashi Saito threw a 25-pitch simulated game without any discomfort in his left buttocks, where tightness had kept him out of a scheduled appearance Monday.

Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt said Saito’s pitching schedule, already tight because he missed several days early in camp with a right calf injury, will remain on track if he has no ill effects from the simulated game.

“We’ll see how he comes in Thursday,” Honeycutt said. “We’ll go by how he feels, obviously. You can formulate any plan you want to, but if he doesn’t feel right, he won’t throw that day.”

For now, Saito is slated to pitch on consecutive days for the first time Thursday and Friday, then rest in advance of Monday’s opener.